PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK: Team throws the book at its rookies

Between now and the start of training camp late next month, studying and working out become the priorities for the Patriots’ first-year players.

By Glen Farley

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Glen Farley

Posted Jun. 18, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 18, 2010 at 6:02 PM

By Glen Farley

Posted Jun. 18, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 18, 2010 at 6:02 PM

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The book is on Brandon Spikes’ summer reading list.

In fact, between now and July 25, the day Patriots rookies are due to report for the start of training camp at Gillette Stadium, the rookie inside linebacker from Florida vows he won’t leave home without it.

“(I’ll) definitely carry my playbook with me everywhere I go, stay on top of that,” said Spikes, one of the Patriots’ three second-round picks in April’s NFL draft. “I can’t relax being a rookie and I’m on edge and I just want to come in and contribute, be accountable to the defense so that when my number’s called I can come in and get things done.

“My playbook and staying in shape (are the most important things at this point).” The Patriots’ mandatory minicamp behind them with the conclusion of Thursday’s session on the practice fields adjacent to Gillette, the team won’t reconvene at the stadium until late next month when training camp begins (veterans are due in on July 28).

Between now and then, the book is must reading for the team’s newcomers.

“Study the playbook and keep working out,” said cornerback Devin McCourty, the Patriots’ first-round draft pick from Rutgers, echoing Spikes’ sentiments in mapping out his personal game plan for the next five weeks or so. “That’s the biggest thing. Make sure I stay in shape and work on the things I’ve learned.”

Left out: The left side of the Patriots’ offensive line was missing as the team put the finishing touches on minicamp.

In addition to guard Logan Mankins, who is in a squabble with the team and has no contract, tackle Matt Light was a no-show (for an unspecified reason) on Thursday.

Of birdies and fish: Bill Belichick said his plans for the next month or so include some time on the golf course – and that’s no fish story.

“First, we’re going to go through what we’ve done here and try to evaluate it, and talk about things we’ve done and make a plan going forward for training camp,” the head coach said. “Then take a little time and get away – see if I can keep the ball in the fairway, maybe see if the fish are biting.”

Final words: Belichick’s last words as the players broke up for vacation Thursday afternoon?

“We’ve got a long way to go,” he said. “Everybody will be on their own here for a while and we need to continue to work and get ourselves in good condition both physically and mentally. There are a lot of techniques and individual things that guys can work on between now and the start of camp, in addition to the conditioning, and those will be emphasized to each individual player relative to each guy.”